Matthew de La Tour is a talented artist with autism who has been producing art since he was a child. His technique involves applying molten glue (from a hot glue gun, for instance) to a surface, painting the surface, and peeling off the glue to reveal a work of art that he calls an ‘autistic expression’.

When we asked what motivated him to create, he told us that creating art allows him to channel his emotions into something and overcome the challenges and hostility he faces in life. The world he creates through his art, he explained, is his own–with his own standards.

Matthew wants to share his art and techniques in order to help and inspire other people on the spectrum. To this end, he wrote the following post outlining each step of his method. Stunning photographs of his work are also shown below.

Instructions:

Step 1. Using a glue gun and mini glue sticks 4″ x .27″ put glue sticks in gun and apply glue to surface- example would be an art canvas.

Step2. Start with drawing shapes- like circles- triangles- and squares to get a feel of how the molten glue moves when you pull the glue gun trigger- remember molten glue will be very hot.

Step 3. Allow the glue to cool to your surface- then using spray paint in a vented area… or acrylic paint- lightly cover the glue on the surface- most paints dries in minutes.

Step 4. After paint is dry- pull the glue gently off the canvas and allow your creation to come forth. You can repeat the process or add more paint. You can gradually start making complex designs and create a technique of your own.

Molten glue can be used to rebind old books and create new covers for those books. Other examples of recommended surfaces are: bottles, picture frames, high-heeled shoes and anything you can imagine. Remember nothing is impossible you have the ability- just imagine.